To all those fans of both shows here is some word on both,

My Living Doll, Starring Julie Newmar.. Most of the key film elements have now been located, the show is about to be restored and put on a non bootleg DVD for the first time.

My Favorite Martian, season three DVD is on track, a bonus disk will be added found for that disk is never before seen making of footage, also a whole bunch of just amazing extras.
Also watch for upcoming news new toys and merchandising!!

how did they find My Living Doll? I thought they through out all the copies?

The truth is stranger than the fiction you have read all these years, fact one producer Jack Chertok NEVER threw out My Living Doll elements, they were miss placed, also due to the strange way many of the shows were registered back in the sixties many people thought it was PD, not so the rights are intact.
The show is a present being put back together element by element. to make perfect hi def masters.

Well that is great news then!

We have also found all the master music tapes for both My Favorite Martian and My Living Doll.
We have performed a test transfer of three Martian's and the same number of Doll episodes and guess what....
The tracks are crystal clear perfect highs and lows, they both shows tracks sounded like they were recorded this morning.
We also found two versions of the My Living Doll theme music one more robot like the other more horns and strings, really fun tracks both by George Greeley.

Also found in our inventory search of the Chertok vault, well did you know their is an un-aired pilot for My Favorite Martian, with all kinds of new footage and different characters, if you look at the gold key comic number one it is pretty close to the story used for this un seen show.
And the music is slightly different as well.

We also found the Kellogs and papermate spot that were made using the sets and actors from the show, they even have special Martian music on them adapted from the score, the othe fun part is that in every case they follow the premise of the episode, in fact even adding punch lines to the story.
They always come in on break four just before the wind up and end credits.

Interesting. Are you with Rhino? If so, maybe we can mention some of this on our news blog: sitcomsonline.com/blog

No I work for Jack Chertok Television Inc, we gave Rhino the rights for DVD.

Do you know when Rhino will release these two sets? Also, any word on Private Secretary or the animated My Favorite Martians?

Ok season three of My Favorite Martian will be some time after October, I think, as for My Living Doll no one has been contracted yet to release it.
Right now job one is to restore the full twenty six episodes into a set of perfect high def masters, once that is done, it will go to cable then DVD.
You didn't ask about the other lost Chertok show...
Oh and private is not ours. neither is Sky King or the Lone Ranger, all produced by Jack Chertok Productions for some one else.

Lux Playhouse you mean?

Good call your half right, how about "Steve Donovan Western Marshall", we are looking for that show right now.

We are looking into the short lived Animated "My Favorite Martian", we will see on that one.
It's certainly different...Filmation strikes again.

while we are making every attempt to harvest the best source material possble for My Living Doll, we have had a recent problem with several segments. picture is fine but sound is sub-standard.
If you have any knowledge were to find any of our network print please email us at this site.
We are working very hard to bring this show back any help you can give would be great.

I interviewed Jack Chertok for an article I did for Movie Collectors World back in the mid-80s. He claimed that all of the prints and negatives for My Living Doll had been destroyed since he could find no buyers for the show. Until anything is proven otherwise, that seems to be factual.

...but then again, Joey Bishop once claimed all of the episodes of HIS 1961-'65 situation comedy series had been "destroyed"...yet, lo and behold, all but the first season were available for cable and syndication use at the end of the '80s. Knowing Jack Chertok to be a "cheapskate" and having a very "smooth tongue", I believe he INSISTED that all of the negatives and prints of "MY LIVING DOLL" were "destroyed"...however, some of those prints DID turn up in collectors' circles. That's only a short step to uncovering the entire series in various vaults, basements, garages, and the like. We shall see....

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It seems odd that the "announcement" about My Living Doll coming to DVD would be made in such an unprofessional manner here (and at the IMDb by the same person, it seems). But stranger things have happened and I would love nothing more than having quality versions of this series on DVD.

They haven't announced anything yet. They are just letting fans know they have found it. It is not confirmed for DVD at all.

Which is why I put the "announcement" in quotation marks.

...but then again, Joey Bishop once claimed all of the episodes of HIS 1961-'65 situation comedy series had been "destroyed"...yet, lo and behold, all but the first season were available for cable and syndication use at the end of the '80s. Knowing Jack Chertok to be a "cheapskate" and having a very "smooth tongue", I believe he INSISTED that all of the negatives and prints of "MY LIVING DOLL" were "destroyed"...however, some of those prints DID turn up in collectors' circles. That's only a short step to uncovering the entire series in various vaults, basements, garages, and the like. We shall see....

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I had that Joey Bishop story in the same article. It was fed to me by Ronald Jacobs, who was the production exec on all of the Thomas shows. When they turned up in syndication later I knew he was just telling me that to get rid of me when I wanted a screener for the article.

As for Doll, 10 episodes are known to exist in either archives or private hands. These are all prints, not masters or negatives, non of which have surfaced to date. On the positive side, no paperwork has surfaced either which details their destruction or discardment. So it is possible that they are still residing at some yet to be found location.

No we have not struck a deal to release My Living Doll, all that is happening is restoration and trying to find elements.
I personally knew Jack Chertok, he never threw away anything on Doll,
perhaps one day the truth will be told.
Jack was a honorable and smart producer, he was always loyal to those around him.
Just look at his credits and you will see many people were helped by this very giving gentleman.

I will gladly buy Steve Donovan Western Marshall and so would the many baby boomer TV western fans.

Trying hard but that show is in worse shape than My Living Doll, the story behind the recovery of these shows is just amazing.
Promises made and then forgotten, maybe in the future as a bonus feature we should tell some of these crazy stories, in all finding this material would give Sherlock Holmes a run for his money.

please keep on trying Steve Donovan very good show.

Don't worry I have no plans to give up on any of our shows, I will. in time. find Steve Donovan, and we will release it for all to see.
I was part of a Australian National Library team that recovered nitrate films back in the eighties, we found close to a hundred lost titles, so finding these few shows is nothing new to me.
I have a great respect for television history, and the people who produced it, so I will not rest until all these shows are restored and made available to all television fans.
This is not a short term project if it takes years to find these shows then that is what I will commit to in terms of time.
If you want these shows as much as I do, help us and ask any and every film collector you know.
They will show up mostly one at a time, two if we are lucky I have set a goal to restore and release all of these titles and I will.

You wouldn't by chance have the 1982 series Checking In with Marla Gibbs would you? No one seems to have it. Also I have a few episodes of Bob Denver's series The Good Guys with Herb Edelman. Only about ten episodes seem to be floating around. Do you know the whereabouts about either of those?

Matt both those shows are stored inside the studio system, they should both be ok.

glad to here it, my copies of the Good Guys are just plain terrible. Here is what they look like http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/attachment.php?attachmentid=95348&stc=1&d=1122582985

That is Phyllis Diller if you can't tell

Wow that's about four or more generations away from a master element, it's from a 16mm station print by the looks of it.
It's a film chain transfer done at some point in the eighties I would think, some of the bootleg Living Dolls look just as bad.
Wait until you see one in crisp black and white, just wonderful the detail is amazing on these old prints.

Looking foward to it!

Did a quick search at the copyrite office, only three episodes were ever copywritten, The Love Machine, The Beauty Contest and My Robot The Warden. #'s RE-594-077,78,79.
original dates nov64. effective date oct92.
So, possibly these two do exist. If I am not mistaken, that would make the others out there still PD.

That is a common mistake that everyone is making, the show is FULLY protected.
The new Sonny Bono law allows all shows produced post Jan 1st 1964 to re-up.
Also all the music and title elements are already protected based on those three anyhow.
Franky, the show is now truely on our radar, we will sort everything out very soon.
This also begs a question why would Jack Chertok re-up his rights if he destroyed the prints?
The answer is he would not. thank you for pointing this mistake out.

When "MY LIVING DOLL" was unceremonoiusly "dumped" by CBS after its only season (mostly due to its chief "supporter", CBS president James Aubrey, himself discarded by the network earlier in 1965), I'm sure Jack Chertok must have been VERY angry at CBS' attitude towards the show [I'm sure he must have pleaded to new programmer Jack Schneider, "Look, give Jack Mullaney and Julie Newmar a chance! They work better together than Cummings did with her, just give me another 13 weeks and I'll MAKE this show a hit!!!"], and simply decided that it was a "lost" series, and would NEVER be seen again. Hence, his claim that all "elements" of the series were "destroyed"- especially after "MY FAVORITE MARTIAN" was cancelled as well. I can see why he would be bitter and continue to declare that "MY LIVING DOLL" was a "lost" series...

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Jack wanted to cast Bob Crane but the powers that be insisted on Cumming's
to Quote Howard Leeds the producer " My god we are going to look like a rerun".
When Cumming's asked for more money Jack throught he had an out, not so CBS picked up the tab.
Having seen part of the shows with the Peter character it is a vast improvement, the last five shows had some real merit.
The ballet show in particular really gave Julie Newmar a chance to show off her dancing chops.
And Jack M as her partner is really funny, in fact he was much shorter than Julie so at times he dissapears behind her. funny funny stuff.
Jack Chertok was never a rash man, sure he was sorry to see a show go down but nothing lasts forever, he knew that.
He tried one more pilot for CBS, originally titled, "Who is Benny Goodman", then called "Rambling Wreck at the Discotec" and its final title " Man in The Square Suit".
It starred Paul Dooley as a show runner who is placed in charge of a Hullabaloo type show.
His boss was played by Alan Reed AKA Fred Flintstone, shot in color at the MGM lot.
Edited by Ted Rich and directed by the classic Abbott and Costello guy I can't think of his name now.
Anyway Jack had no axe to grind he was always a class act in everything he did, from the guy who served the coffee to the stars all were treated with uncommon respect.
One of the joys of restoring these shows is talking to his crews they all want to help because of the wonderful treatment they were given by Jack.
They all comment that they miss him and the respect that they recieved from him, very much missing these days.
He casts a long shadow that has made all this very easy.

hmm Bob Crane. I agree. That would have worked well. I noticed that the casting was done by stalmaster, that casted Hogan's Heroes and many others.
Maybe Bob's life would have turned out different, hmm well, probably not.
Did stars of the shows often keep prints of the shows they were in back then?
I noticed Julie Newmar has a section of her website devoted to this show, we knoe bob hated the show, but what about Julie?

For fans of Mr Chertok's shows, when you buy the new deluxe version of "The Wizard Of Oz" it comes with some fun extras.
A photo of Mr Jack Chertok with his friend and producer Harry Poppe, Harry worked for the minatures unit.
The photo of both men is on the back of the repro internal MGM book, for those who don't know Jack produced a greater portion of the comedy live action shorts for MGM in the late thirties.
And don't forget Sky King and of course the Lone Ranger he was one of the first great independent television producers, he had been a studio man and had done MGM proud. ( I wish I had asked him what it was like returning home to MGM for Martian's third season, it must have been bitter sweet to finish up where he started from.)
When it came to television the shorts had given him the knowledge to produce quality, he had worked with time issues and on multiple shorts at any given time.
When he broke down a script for production every aspect was planned for, that's why his shows were enjoyable to work on, nothing was left to chance.
By the time he came to both Martian and Doll he had been through most every situation the industry had to offer.
Jack was their for all the dailies on his shows, he gave pin point notes on editing comedy, he called a spade a spade.
When the network man came to view a finished show he would be frank about it.
If it was a good show he would call it, if it fell a little short, well he would call it and lift it the next time.
He spent time with his entire production team, not in a mean spirited bossy way, oh no, he would support and encourage the crew.
If you did a great job you were told so, and not bullied around as many producers still do.
He left you to practice your craft, he watched but if you had it right you knew, with a hand shake or a pat on the back.
He listened to everyone, if you had a idea to improve the show he would give you a chance to voice it.
Mr Chertok really enjoyed talent, and a fine tailored suit, the man had style as well.

I noticed Julie Newmar has a section of her website devoted to this show, we knoe bob hated the show, but what about Julie?
I hope that Julie likes it, I know she really enjoyed the challenge of it and she enjoyed her co-star Jack Mullany.

For anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Julie Newmar you will already know that she is a wonderful talent, and a sweet and kind soul as well.
When you get a chance to see a collection of her work on "My Living Doll" you really see just how great she is at many different forms of comedy.
As a dancer she brings a grace and style that in unique to this show, she also worked internally as an actor to make Rhoda a one of a kind.
Frankly she was the true star of this show, she really worked hard and all the production staff just loved her for it.
Bob Cumming's was a wonderful actor as well, he was a star, when he signed on he thought this was his show.
It really was not to be, Julie Newmar just was so fresh and smart, the poor guy just could not keep up to her level.
AF 709 is a child like creature, a new born baby with a mega IQ, years later the Data character would come to touch on some of these traits with equal skill.

When you watch these shows you just end up wanting more Julie Newmar, she is just that great in this role.

yes, after the six I have seen (rather poorly seen) I am very anxious to see the entire lot as Im sure many have been for 30+ years. Im interested to see the ones without cummings, how did the title change?
The Data character statement you made is quite interesting. It is very close.
Data matured over the course of TNG, even in The Witness at the beginning, Julie wants desperately to go for a ride, and at the end of the show she steals the cop motorcycle. Hilarious. Her voice, mannerisms. excellent.
I think The Witness was the last one cummings was in?

I wish you could post a screenshot of the remastered video or something, Im dying here,
thanks

As soon as I have some remastered images I will preview them here first.
quality takes time.

...the one and only JEAN YARBROUGH, "My". He directed every episode of "THE ABBOTT & COSTELLO SHOW" (and some of the "MARTIAN" episodes, I believe), and probably was the best choice to direct "THE MAN IN THE SQUARE SUIT", which was "burned off" on ABC one Friday evening in April 1966 (pre-empting "THE ADDAMS FAMILY", no less).


Since Jim "The Smiling Cobra" Aubrey [CBS' president & chief programmer in 1964] was the one who bought "DOLL" without an "official" pilot episode, he might have been the one who "foisted" Bob Cummings on the show....

"Who knows about Bob Crane?", he might have told Chertok. "I want a 'name' actor in the lead role...someone like, oh, Bob Cummings. He starred in a series for us a few years ago.." "Yeah, and it was terrible", Mr. Chertok might have answered. "There wasn't anything 'New' about it...". "Well, he's the kind of 'star power' I want for the show...and THAT'S how it's gonna be". "If you make Cummings the star, you're gonna kill this show before it even begins..". "Jack, I like you....I like what you did for CBS with this 'Martian' gimmick....and you have a bright future with this network....I'll throw as many ideas to you as I can.....but if there's no Bob Cummings--there's no 'My Living Doll'. Need I remind you that CBS is a partner in your show. I can shut it down any time I want....think about it.....and while you do, send me a rough draft of the ideas Bob might be interested in......".

Hypothetical, yes. But that's how the negotiations MIGHT have gone. Aubrey was a sonofabitch who got things done HIS way...one word from him, and a show could be renewed or cancelled IF he felt "it was worth it". Lucille Ball loathed him, David Susskind (as a TV producer) hated him, Procter & Gamble threatened to pull all their advertising off CBS because of the way he initially treated "THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW" and "PETTICOAT JUNCTION", two shows they heavily invested TV advertising time in. Only people like Sherwood Schwartz and George C. Scott were able to stand up to him. He alienated a lot of people {Garry Moore, Jack Benny and Judy Garland, to name just three} and made a lot of money for CBS before they got rid of him.



Yes, I believe "The Witness" was the 21st and final episode for Bob Cummings[originally telecast February 10, 1965]. I've seen it, in a poor quality video transfer of a 16mm network print, and it WAS good. Cummings, though, "looked like a rerun".

In the main title sequence, 'retrostation', Julie would always be wearing something different when she approached Bob (evening gown, negligee, etc.), to emphasize her "sex appeal". Whether this continued in the main title with Jack Mullaney, I don't know. Just give "My" a chance to restore them...as he said, "quality takes time".

Yes, Mr. Chertok and Harry Poppe were close friends, personally and professionally, from their MGM days, right through "THE LONE RANGER", "SKY KING" and "MY FAVORITE MARTIAN"....and I apologize for thinking Mr. Chertok could be "bitter" about projects that ended for no good reason at all.

:)

...Talent Associates produced that series in association with CBS...and it was VIDEOTAPED during its first season, before a live audience. The second season, it was filmed, and not renewed for a full season. The mixture of videotaped AND film episodes, plus the small amount of episodes that were produced [about 40 or so] just wasn't worth syndicating, as far as CBS was concerned. IF the episodes are stashed away in one of the network's vaults, perhaps they'll be resurrected one day.....

"CHECKING IN" was produced by Norman Lear's company, and the four 1981 episodes of the series produced, I believe, are still in Sony/Columbia's vaults (they own the Lear/Tandem/Norbud/Embassy TV shows), awaiting "excavation", 'gilligan'.

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...Talent Associates produced that series in association with CBS...and it was VIDEOTAPED during its first season, before a live audience. The second season, it was filmed, and not renewed for a full season. The mixture of videotaped AND film episodes, plus the small amount of episodes that were produced [about 40 or so] just wasn't worth syndicating, as far as CBS was concerned. IF the episodes are stashed away in one of the network's vaults, perhaps they'll be resurrected one day.....

"CHECKING IN" was produced by Norman Lear's company, and the four 1981 episodes of the series produced, I believe, are still in Sony/Columbia's vaults (they own the Lear/Tandem/Norbud/Embassy TV shows), awaiting "excavation", 'gilligan'.

:tv:

It would be great if they were resurected. I doubt it will happen anytime soon for either one. When Bob Denver died I had a feeling at least one episode of it would air and I was wrong. I got two more episodes of it recently and they look a little better than the picture I posted earlier

Jack Chertok was very highly regarded by all the network heads, in fact when Ray Walston suffered a chimp bite on the set of Martian when filming the unfinished show "Sir Charles".
The first vistor he had was none other than Jim Pailey, the head of CBS.
Jack Chertok stood tall, he was a strong producer while he would work with the network to improve a show he never would have taken the kind of dressing down that was described.
He was a man who never had to ask for respect, because by his very nature and the massive track record that he produced, he had the ear of highly placed people.
Up until the time of his passing many a lunch was had by Jack with high powered industry types who still wanted his advice on how to handle a production problem.
He was more open in many repects than most producers, but in the edit bay and the writers room he was always the final word.
That is why we are still enjoying his shows forty years later, they all had a common thread of quality running through them.

Do you think Rhino should add Pamela Britton's home movies from the set?
You should email them and ask perhaps.115526

115527

One more image115548

Look at the "stills" you reproduced, "My". That was taken during the filming of the two-part episode that opened the third season....the first episodes filmed in color! And Pamela had 8mm COLOR film in her camera when she filmed her "behind-the-scenes" footage!! Perfect combination----put some background music behind it, and you've got a DVD "extra" most fans would drool over to own!!! {nice touch of Bill's chair reading "Bix"...}

I read about Ray being mauled by a chimp, but I didn't know that was during an episode that was never finished! Now I know why.....and WILLIAM PALEY, "MR. CBS", PERSONALLY visiting him after the incident?? Yes, Paley could be kind and caring to his "stars"....


...but sometimes, definitely in personal matters, he could be as ruthless as Jim Aubrey was {i.e. Frank Stanton's retirement from the network; his farewell to Fred Friendly; the snubs at Edward R. Murrow, Arthur Godfrey and Truman Capote, etc}. But that's Bill Paley for you- he was a showman as well as a business man....and he DID care about people.


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We just found all the out takes for the little Golden record of the Martian song it's very funny audio stuff.
It's interesting they use original sound track material on the early versions of the song.
It's the same voice over guys from New York but it's just they goof almost the entire session.

...whenever they recorded theme songs from TV shows (or LP's including material associated with certain programs), either there were direct collaborations with the series itself {i.e. "special" recordings featuring the casts and/or soundtracks of "ROCKY & HIS FRIENDS", "THE FLINTSTONES", "THE MUNSTERS", etc.} or those recorded in New York [parent company A.A. Records' "home base"] with top N.Y. musical, vocal and voice talents NOT associated with the shows- "MY FAVORITE MARTIAN" was one of those instances, even though source material from the TV soundtracks might have been used in the "new" recordings. I've never heard that one, however.

:tv:

George Greeley who composed all the music for both Martian and Doll, worked with Golden AKA AA records on the two tracks for the single.
Originaly it was to feature Ray but he read the lyric and passed on it, however he loved kids and the idea of singing for them hence the album produced later durring Martian's run.
It's odd to realise the theme has word's!

It's amazing what you will find when you look, we now have a print of the Jack Chertok pilot "Man In The Square Suit".
Not sure at this time how we will get it out there but at least it is safe and accounted for.
Perhaps an extra on the third season "My Favorite Martian" set, we will see.

..."My", but personally, I think a better choice would be on the proposed "MY LIVING DOLL" box set. You already have the third season episodes and the "home movies" planned for "MARTIAN"- where would "SQUARE SUIT" fit in, there? I know it was filmed at the same facilities at MGM {and possibly using some of the same "settings" from "MARTIAN"?}. However, since "DOLL" is virtually considered a "lost series", it would be more appropriate to add "SUIT" to that box set since IT'S considered a "lost pilot". And if more "lost material" were found, that would make even more sense to add them to that set as well.

:tv:

You could be right, but my feeling is to try to get Rhino to give fans as much extra material as is possible.
The first two box set while well laid out in menu and mastering, were really just the bare bones presentation of Martian.
This is a show that deserves a real feature packed box, in my reseach and meetings with the original production staff, all of them without exception want to see their show get a major selection of extras.
I will say it again Mr Chertok really left behind a massive amount of good will towards his shows, on the part of those who worked with him.
They really want to be involved from the stand point that this was a great time for them in so many ways.
Some forty years later and all of them recall the gentle charm of Bill Bixby and his interest in the whole process.
Bill sitting in the edit bay watching the takes trying to sharpen his performance while at the same time learning how to be a great comedy director himself.
No one has forgotten Pamela Britton really perfecting a brownie mix, that same mix being taken by Kellogs who then added their spin onto it with rice crispies.
and last and never least Ray Waston and his gym, that he found being thrown away at Desilu, he set it up and really took care of himself health wise.
And Ray helping Bill every step of the way, they became very close and had a great respect for each other, they understood how both their comedy styles worked together.
I personally really care a great deal about this gem of a show and I will do everything I can to give fans the best look yet into this much loved show.

...worked "directly" with Golden on the release of the "MARTIAN" single! I know Ray Walston refused to participate on the inital recording (for obvious reasons), but I know he loved kids, and that's why he worked on the later album.

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George Greeley worked from sun up to sun down on Martian's music in point of fact he spent so much time on the music for the show he rented a apartment across the street from Desilu so he could get to it faster.
He would score two segments a week, at his peak of production he was doing three to four, that would be two Martian's and Two Doll's.
The amazing thing is his music never suffered, he was classically trained and because of that the show really set a high standard.
If you look into his history he was signed be Jack Warner early in the sixties to launch the Warner Bros record label.
His piano concerto's were top seller's in the early days of the label, George wrote up the arrangements for the Golden recordings, extending the secondary theme to fit "When I was a boy on Mar's" in all it is a cute track.
While he was not in New York for the session they used all his notes and input to finish the two recording's.
And when they were finished he approved them together with Mr Chertok, oh and the Pilot "Man In The Square Suit" George Greeley did the music for that one as well, in fact although sixties rock and roll is not his favorite he did four really fun cues.
This was nothing new the original music session for the "My Living Doll" episode "Something Borrowed Something Blew" has four three and a half minute rock and roll tracks ala greeley.

As many fans know over the past ten years their have been alot of sub standard bootlegs of My Living Doll.
When you see a restored episode it will make you wonder why you blew twenty dollars on a ghostly mess.
The restoration is being done right now and the results will honestly make you want to take the pretender copies skeet shooting.
It is just that huge a step up, we are not only doing a high quality wet gate transfer, after that we are pulling out all the stops with digital cleaning as well.
When official word is given, the price of first set and the extras will make all the fans of the show VERY happy indeed.
And the word will be coming really soon now!

I am excited!
And I want to be the first moocher to humbly ask to be on the promotional list for a promo set so I can review and blog.
LOL

When it is released I will certainly buy. Good news indeed!

You will have to wait in line with the rest of us Retro, The extras on this soon to be anounced set will just make you crazy.
Here's a hint the week after next we are recording a interview with a certain producer.
After that, four more key crew members will be added, and then a certain cast member will round out the package.
And newly found stills and info on the unfilmed episode that lead to the break with Bob Cumming's.
Yes that's right the real inside story as to why Bob left will now be told...
And it's not what you think at all! everyone had close but no cigar.
For years the story has been almost right, now you will know what went down in 1965, and why.
Also you will learn whose house was the basis for Bob's apartment, and we have the blueprints and stills to prove it.
This is going to be jam packed with cool stuff.

...it had something to do with Bob's ego- and the unfilmed epsisode was the "last straw" among everyone involved.

:confused:

...it had something to do with Bob's ego- and the unfilmed epsisode was the "last straw" among everyone involved.

:confused:
The time for second guessing is over, we have it first hand from the people who were at the center of the storm, and I might add it's positive outcome.

A Positive outcome?
Hmmm Bob's contract was bought out?
Julie got a raise?
Stay tuned for the next episode of as the doll turns....

please don't forget about "Steve Donavan Western Marshal"

So far all we have is the unaired pilot plus three....Steve will return for sure!soon as we have enough of them to put out a boxed set.
I would like to recover the entire 39 episodes and restore them as well, right now that's all we are doing restoring and making sure that TV fans in the future will get to see these shows based on high quality master material.

A Positive outcome?
Hmmm Bob's contract was bought out?
Julie got a raise?
Stay tuned for the next episode of as the doll turns....
Now come on do you want me to spoil the fun by revealing all the stories here?
I think not...all of the behind the camera stuff is just going to make you laugh and cry at the same time.
When you find out about Jack Mullany his kindness and friendship to all and his sad last days.
So many really interesting insights, you will feel like you were on the set by the time this material is over.
The other thing is you will get an understanding of a standard production week,for students of film making this will give you an idea of what to expect when you get behind the lens.

We have just lost another key actor from the begining of our show, the wonderful air force official from our pilot as played by Herbert Rudley.
He was in another segment but he really made a splash in the first show so brilliantly directed by Sheldon Leonard.
Perhaps the only good news is that we have an extended control room scene with Mr Rudley in our unaired pilot.
Herbert Rudley set a high standard of comedy performance by a guest actor in that first show and for that I thank him.

..."executives", military or civilian- and he was good at them. And they were usually "no-nonsense" types. I vaguely remember his "extended" scene with Bill Bixby in the unaired version of the "MARTIAN" pilot (yes, I saw it once!)- the way he grills poor Tim about his "sighting" of Martin's spaceship....you have to loathe an authority figure like that. Of course, when he appeared on "THE MOTHERS-IN-LAW", that gave Herb a chance to play a domestic version of "Ricky Ricardo" [directed by the man himself!], and he was good at that, too.

:tv:

As of today the third season has now become low on the list of to do's for Rhino, it will not be seen this year.
At this point let me ask all of you fans of My Favorite Martian, please email Rhino at their "ask Dr Rhino" address and demand a fully packed with extras DVD.
Everything is in place for this now, we just need all of you to wake these guys up a bit.
The new material we have found is just amazing, but you really must go to the "ask Dr Rhino" site and get their attention NOW.
Without your help this material may not be seen for years, don't let that happen be a part of the rebirth of this classic show.

116778

116779


This is more of what you can expect in the mega packed bonus disk...but you have to make yourself heard....."Ask Dr Rhino" tell them you want it now.

...Rhino Video is "sitting" on all this potential material that's waiting to be discovered by "the great viewing public", "My". What could they possibly be releasing NOW that's more "popular" than what YOU'RE offering??


{the consumate Hollywood actor waiting for someone to light his stogie, and the phone to ring...}

{"Yes, but did Bernard Baruch ever belong to the Actor's Guild?"}


:typing:

I really don't know what they are thinking... but the best thing that all of the fans of the show can do is email the Dr Rhino page, you most likely will not hear back, but if enough fans write in they will react to it sooner than later.
Please be civil to them, but be sure to state you want a feature loaded bonus disk.
Email the site at least once a week until they crack...
By the by what do all you fellow fans think about doing a Hi Def transfer of the Martian pilot, and fixing ala CGI the less than perfect ship stuff.
They intended to show the crash and mid air encounter but the Howard Anderson company just ran out of time on it.
It was boarded but never shot, Most likely I would call on Darren Dockerman, he is the special effects art director who finished Star Trek The Motion Picture for Bob Wise.
He loves martian, and really understands about staying true to the look of the time the key footage was shot.
Jim Hulsey the original art director has agreed come on board to see to it that his ship is rendered perfectly.

what about doll!!!
WE WANT THE DOLL!
lol

what about doll!!!
WE WANT THE DOLL!
lol
Be prepared for the official word in the next two weeks, yes their should be more than just coal in your stocking this xmas.
How about Julie Newmar...in stockings!!!

Yes Doll is really in the final stages of contract signing, and yes, All the shows are now fully protected.
Oh yes, we are helping on a biography of Bob Cummings, it's going to be a great book!! it's writer is reseaching the heck out of Bob's history.
And yes his reseach has been invalueable in putting together the story of the cast change.

cant wait!

:lol: This is great, Rhino is begining to feel the pressure...keep it up.
Email Ask Dr Rhino today and ask them for your season three boxed set now
They are paying attention to the traffic so an answer could soon be on it's way !!

Thanks to all of you who have emailed to this point and for those who have not what's keeping you..Uncle Martin needs your help now.

i have!
Some Screenshots of Doll please!
lol

When we make it formal the flood gates will open wide, until then the answer is it will be soon very soon.
It's waited over forty years another few weeks won't hurt that bad...honest.
Mind you Julie Newmar has never looked better...Wow she is just amazing to see in crystal clean transfers.

Well work continues on trying to get season three on the shelves, one very interesting development.
What do you think about putting all the Filmation My Favorite Martians on two bonus disks in the season three box set.
That would make the set comprise of six DVD's the breakdown would be three of of the classic show, one bonus features disk and two with the complete Filmation show.
This is shaping up to be one hell of a set if everything comes together as it should, but again to all fans keep on emailing Rhino at their "Ask Dr Rhino" page just keep them on their toes. ok.

I'd go for that type of set up, MFM! Heck, I'd buy just a barebones set just to complete the series. I hope Rhino does the right thing and finishes this off.

B&W Fan

Well work continues on trying to get season three on the shelves, one very interesting development.
What do you think about putting all the Filmation My Favorite Martians on two bonus disks in the season three box set.
That would make the set comprise of six DVD's the breakdown would be three of of the classic show, one bonus features disk and two with the complete Filmation show.
This is shaping up to be one hell of a set if everything comes together as it should, but again to all fans keep on emailing Rhino at their "Ask Dr Rhino" page just keep them on their toes. ok.

I have two episodes of the cartoon and it is preety good for a Saturday Morning cartoon. The theme song is very catchy-lol

How about this for an extra clickable, we just found all the original art from the first coloring book from 1964, interesting stuff on the title page it says oked 2/6/64 for April shipping it was job A16198. just love that crazy trivia don't you?
Anyway thats just one of the many little fun things that have turned up.

I just did the pre-interview with Wayne Stam AKA Andromeda he has alot of new and until now unknowen facts about the show.
He also has some really great stuff about Bill Bixby and Ray Walston just can't wait to get this all on film.
And yes another cool extra for the season three boxed set...email "ask Dr Rhino" and please understand they really don't answer this service but they do take note of the traffic.

Please don't forget about a boxset of full season of Steve Donovan, Western Mardshal.

Please don't forget about a boxset of full season of Steve Donovan, Western Mardshal.
Steve is on our radar for sure, but for now the main focus is both Martian and Living Doll.
The Steve Donovan Set is a major project, as has been "Doll" every turn in restoring these shows is a big ticket cost.
But rest assured it is moving forward.

Thank you us Western TV fans are loyal to our full boxset seasons!

Today I will be putting the finishing touches on a new first time released My Favorite Martian project.
For fans of the show this will be one of the many products we always wanted but never got back in the day.
As alway please keep on emailing the Ask Dr Rhino web site, as yet no new word on our season three box set.
Although one thing is certain it WILL see a release in 2007, there is no doubt in my mind on that.
The other project is the Hi Def restoration of the unaired pilot, and starting this month the interview project begins.
What that means is talking to as many of our original crew as possible and putting it all on a digital format for generations to come.
Its a long list of people, perhaps we can do at least two a week through January.

But what about My Living Doll? Any news on a DVD release date yet?

(BTW, it's my 1st post here!)

My big issue has been packing on as many segments as possible..even to the point of the entire 26.(yes we are that close to that number)
That is why I have held back, we have an ageement for the show to come out, I just want to make sure that our fans really get their moneys worth when it comes to a boxed set.
The other thing is finding as many examples as possible and making the best choice of elements to master.
What it boils down to is as a fellow television fan, I really want the highest standard and the most features.
I hate being short changed on features and transfers, so I will not do it on this set at all.

Alas, no release in time for xmas. :(
So Each episode had to be pieced together correct?
So the old story of the broadcast reels being destroyed was true?
Eeek, I cant imagine the effort on trying to piece together 26 episodes from just a bunch of cans. Well, I was very satisfied when Paul, george and ringo pieced together Real Love and Free as A bird. They could have on a third song as well but the tape buzz was bad. I'll take tape buzz anyday.
So, get it out. In fact, if it is not perfect and cannot be made to be perfect, put it out in raw form. History is more important. I can sit and listen to outtakes all day long from the fab four, I could sit and watch Raw film from Doll all night.
:)

[QUOTE=retrostation]Alas, no release in time for xmas. :(
So Each episode had to be pieced together correct?
So the old story of the broadcast reels being destroyed was true?


Partly true just change destroyed to missplaced and you have it.
apart from all the other things that need to be done for Martian, this past week I transfered the music from the last episode of Doll number 28.
Why is it 28?? well the production order numbering was thrown off by two after episode 21, because of one written for Bob Cummings and never filmed.
From then on after he left their was another unfilmed script hence from that point forward the production numbers were off by two.
Yes more production stuff you find when you start digging, oh and the music for the last segment is really wild..rock and roll "tea for two" just bizzare??, as is the rest of the session for it.
And yes I do beleave a soundtrack album for Doll will happen as well..

...that unproduced "MY LIVING DOLL" episode {"#21-A", I like to call it}, and how "lousy" it's supposed to be. Well, if I EVER see that script [and I doubt if I might; at least, at this time], I will certainly let you know HOW "bad" it is, "My"! I'm pretty sure that one was the "deal-breaker".....knowing Cummings' ego, it would have to be a "stinker" to all parties involved!

It's nice to know Wayne Stam is still around! I'm certain he'll confirm {or has} that the episode he guest-starred in (and the one that was supposed to have served as a "blueprint" for the unproduced "fourth season") WAS the last episode filmed for the series....and was supposed to have been the last episode shown at the end of the season [May, 1966], before CBS rejected Chertok's plans for "season four", and "dumped" it on the air that February.

Unfortunately, the way I see it, is...that Rhino Home Video seems to be backing away from its original purpose of releasing "forgotten" TV shows and movies, preferring to "cash in" on the "familiar", rather than risk "losing money" on an "obscure" film or TV show. The bigger the company involved (or how BIG it gets), the less "free-wheeling" their attitude is towards product. I'm pretty certain their current attitude is, "Who CARES about 'MY LIVING DOLL' {or 'STEVE DONOVAN'}? That's not what our 'experts' think people want to see or spend money on! You understand, don't you, 'My'? If there were a 'Borat' in there, sure, we'd consider it!!! But we can't market something that's gonna cost us MONEY if it don't sell!!!!". Ehhhh.........
That's just my opinion of THEIR opinion.

Good luck in getting all of this together, though!!

:)

You are somewhat right about Rhino, but as always sometimes a larger company may take a risk on a somewhat proven show.
Although Rhino will not be releasing My Living Doll, for sure as we have another company already lined up.
As for Wayne Stam, he is a really great guy and is very fond of his short time spent on Martian.
Even though he was signed to a five year contract!! if our story editor had his way we would have visited Mars in season four.
The sets were being planed for, as a footnote they were going to use the lower part of the ship from Forbidden Planet since it was still on the backlot at MGM at that time.
For the ship they return to Mars in...but it was not to be.
Mind you in the third season episode Martin Goldfinger when we return from the titles the spy gun is a blaster from Forbidden Planet converted with a longer barrel.

...that Rhino will not be releasing "MY LIVING DOLL" on DVD--- well, it's their loss! I hope the outfit you're negotiating with will appreciate and promote the disc(s) better than "they" could, 'My'!!!!

I could imagine a two-part episode in the "fourth season" (probably the "season opener") where Uncle Martin finally gets the message he's been waiting for...that's he's going home! And that Andy goes with him...and Tim "accidentally" goes along for the trip [and if you really wanted to make it interesting, Mrs. Brown and Detective Brennan as well]. Somehow, I get the feeling that, after everything happens that could have on Mars, Martin gets the "order" that he's to return to Earth and "study the planet" a bit more {after pleading with the "Martian Council" not to invade or destroy his adopted world because he has a "soft spot" for Earth people}, and Andy stays with him to learn all he can about the "backward" planet he crashed into (as "punishment"). Tim will not breathe ONE WORD of all this, because he KNOWS nobody would EVER believe it! Ah, that's what it would have sounded like to me.....

Your right about one thing..a two part opener. as far as story goes well not even close.
Andy was to stay, as punishment and to learn about humans and why he was not to be like them.
The show almost moved to ABC, but Ray wanted out. Bill would have stayed and perhaps may have had a more active role in production.

I know you have all wanted this for years.. this is Pamela Britton's mix..and yes she REALLY did make brownies for the show...and the the cast and crew loved them.

Mrs Brown's Brownies.
2 squares unsweetened chocolate
(2 ozs.)
1/3 C. shortening

Beat in:
1 C. sugar
2 eggs

Sift together and stir in:
3/4 C sifted flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Mix in:
1/2 C. broken nuts
1/2 C. Kelloggs Corn Flakes
(crushed)

Spread in well into 8'' square pan, bake until the top has a dull crust. cool slightly and cut into squares.
Temp. 350.
Time. 30-35 min.

....my synopsis of the hypothetical two-part "fourth season" episode MIGHT have been a little too obvious and "predictable"- but I appreciate your telling me what it actually was (thanks to the late Marty Roth) and where the direction of the series might have gone, 'My'. I know Ray was itching to "escape" the series- maybe it could have gone a lot differently with just Bill and Wayne....we'll never know.

Thanks also for the famous brownie receipe...and we know it wouldn't taste special without KELLOGG's Corn Flakes!! So good, even suspicious detectives
"melt" at their taste!

Happy Thanksgiving, 'My'!

:tv:

There is a wonderful toy company based out of the UK, they are called Product Enterprise.
We have spoken with them about a My Favorite Martian toy line and they have expressed an interest.
The plan would be a die cast edition of Uncle Martins spaceship, and a statue/action figure of both Tim and Uncle Martin.
Both would contain sound chips with dialogue from the show, there accesories would be- Uncle Martin would come with the CCTBS time suitcase and Tim would have a couple of other Martian devises.
Oh and the spaceship would come with Tim's car on a trailer with cover like the pilot episode.
Later perhaps we could make Andromeda's spaceship as well.

Until then if you would like to see these toys produced email Product Enterprise. com and let them know that there is a market for these collectables.

How about an update on Doll?
Still anxious here!

we are still sourcing elements, trying to find the best possible copies to master from.
We really want to release as many segments as possible on the boxed set, so please understand that quality takes time.
The other issue is preparing as many extras as possible, I hate bare bones sets, so this box will carry some fantastic extras..try all the original CBS promo releases just to give you an idea.

Welcome to the year that My Living Doll returns to the world!!

Also welcome to the year that a whole collection of My Favorite Martian merchandise is released...stay tuned to this forum for each new product as becomes available.
Also this is the year we release the unaired pilot from "Martian" in restored form...all the new stuff is just fantastic...wish I could just tell you it all...and we have a major event and display....it will be a great year for classic tv fans so hold on to your antenas...

I am not a DVD buyer (sorry) as I do not watch shows over and over. I fondly remember loving MLD. Is there a chance it will be coming to TV? I am also interested in another old show I loved "It's About Time." Anyone know anything about it?

The answer to that is yes. but all the shows must be restored into broadcast masters first.
That is what we are doing right now. It's About Time is owned by MGM/UA as far as I can see they have no great interest in selling the show at this time.

We are lucky in the case of It's About Time because all episodes of it exisit. Not sure if it is there anymore, but there was a complete set at ebay. It was home made of course so it wasn't a studio release. I have two episodes of it and they really aren't bad looking. I uploaded a few pics from it right here. http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/1275

Just to let you know, all! yes, all The segments of My Living Doll exsist in one form or another.
Thats why we are taking a little longer, we have to bring these mixed media elements up to broadcast standard.

..."IT'S ABOUT TIME" does exist, because United Artists, Sherwood Schwartz's collaborator on that series, saved all 26 episodes and just packed them away in their vaults. Now that the MGM/UA TV library is owned by SONY, there's a good chance...they MIGHT release those episodes on DVD....eventually?

:confused:

The MGM/UA collection is now in being released by Fox, Sony it seems is only a part owner in the studio.
And they did not meet the boards expectations when it came to releasing titles..so Fox was handed the rights by default.

any new news about COMPLETE SERIES release of STEVE DONAVAN,WESTERN MARSHAL? Thanks waiting to buy the set if complete

hey give me a chance I'm still working on Living Doll and Martian third season!

hey give me a chance I'm still working on Living Doll and Martian third season!
Sorry just wanted to remind you Steve Donavan has a market here.

Unless there is a major change of heart..Rhino will not be putting out the third season boxed set.
But something is in the works right now with a new release for the UK, Australia and New Zealand and South Africa...it will I hope lead to the production of a group of major DVD extras that will in turn be seen here in a rerealease of the entire show...as more comes to light I will let you all know more...right now this all I can spill...don't loose hope for a extras jammed DVD boxed collection.

So in other words, Rhino won't do Season 3 and we have to wait through a host of other regions getting the show before we'll see any kind of Season 3 at all here?

Rhino's contract comes up fairly soon. I know of at least 1 company in the U.S. who will be happy to gobble up the rights once Rhino lets theirs expire.

Just received word...

Dear xxxxxxxxx,

We do not have current plans for this release, but thanks for your input. I'll forward your letter to our suggestion box.

Dr. Rhino

ok, so lets concentrate on my living doll.
Hows the progress on Doll?
Are there any pics/goodies that you can post here?
patiently waiting.
:)

Alright get ready a first time release of the original soundtrack music for My Favorite Martian is about to be released.
It has been remastered from the original Desilu recording sessions, "the music sounds just amazing, better than it did on the show itself!" that quote came from George Greeley the composer himself.
It is going to be a very limited edition only 3000 copies world wide, so it will go fast...real fast.
When you listen to this music it's like hearing the show for the first time, the quality is just that intense.
I will fill you in how you can order the album real soon.

At this point the soundtrack album should hit at the end of May...the final sound mix is now complete.
Just putting the booklet together now.

In conversations with Rhino today the third season boxed set may be back on the production slate.
This would be a major production packed full of extras...will know more next week.
Keep your fingers crossed...

I hope it works out; it would be pretty cool if the third season box set and the soundtrack CD were to be released on the same date.

Well that would be great...but really not possible, the amount of work to be done for the special features on the DVD..well it's just not practical.
If they go for all the features I want on the special disk, well it will take a good month or two of production.
No one is getting short changed this time, I have located both cast and crew together with new footage...this will be just packed with never before and remastered missing material.
As a fan of the show myself I just want as much material on this disk as time and money will allow.

I will be just happy to have the show's run complete on DVD this year.

I get your point,really but after all this time not giving the fans some great extras for their troubles would just be wrong.
Frankly each set could have had extras but at the time no one knew were to look for them.
We have spared no expence to make sure we are not going out without some added value on this set no matter what.
Don't you want some of the original cast commercials? how about the home movies taken on set? wouldn't you like a clickable access to all the British weekly comic strips?

With the extras you've mentioned, the final product will be well worth the wait. Thanks for the updates.

You and all those who have been fans of Martian through the years are welcome, the whole point of this is to give back to television fans.
I hope our quality starts a trend for other shows too.

On another subject I just listened to the final mix for the My Favorite Martian soundtrack album.......it is so amazing to hear these tracks in crystal clear versions... both the title and end track just are so clean and really punch out
through the speakers..so crisp and clean.. wow!!

Extras are great if they can be done, and I always appreciate them. But the track record of abandoned or limboland titles of classic TV on DVD I have is so numerous that at some point when the wait has been going on forever, what matters most to me is just seeing an uncut set of the remaining seasons out so the run can be complete.

I will keep watching with interest to see if the wait will be over. Because "My Favorite Martian" has thanks to DVD emerged as the best of all the "supernatural" sitcoms of the 60s, much funnier than "Bewitched" etc. IMO.

Most of the extras for the disk are done...just awaiting on Rhino, no matter what this set will be issued.
I can tell you that 100% I will not let the tv fan's down on this one.

I have just seen the cover painting for the soundtrack album, it's just great and I hope to be able to post it here in the next week or so.
For those of you who don't know George Greeley will be 90 in august of this year and I have to tell you he is honestly thrilled with this release.
He has personally approved every track, he still can't beleave that anyone would even care about this album.
For myself as a life long fan of this show, well it could not have come fast enough for my money.
For all classic Tv fans this album will be a must have for your soundtrack collection,as a footnote...
In the reseach for the album we even found photos of the music being recorded at Desilu, they will be seen for the first time anywhere in the album booklet..some really rare and amazing images that illustrate the music process in depth.

Extras are great if they can be done, and I always appreciate them. But the track record of abandoned or limboland titles of classic TV on DVD I have is so numerous that at some point when the wait has been going on forever, what matters most to me is just seeing an uncut set of the remaining seasons out so the run can be complete.

I will keep watching with interest to see if the wait will be over. Because "My Favorite Martian" has thanks to DVD emerged as the best of all the "supernatural" sitcoms of the 60s, much funnier than "Bewitched" etc. IMO.

You may well be right. Basically, for that period in sitcom history, MFM was a quality show that also happened to have two wonderful performers in the lead roles.

But when are we going to see the truly rare "supernatural" sitcoms from the 60s? In short, where are Mr. Terrific and Captain Nice?

Okay, maybe they don't really compare with MFM, but there has to be some way we can see these shows again. To heck with the extras. I just want good, complete prints.

I would love to see those two shows in decent shape, rather than the bootleg copies that have been floating around.
But sadly I can only help to bring to light our shows, I like you will wait and hope these two great fantasy comedys will one day come back to us.
But just to let you know,when I have a say in it as a tv fan I hold nothing back...I want everything in the archives out there for everyone to enjoy.
And with "Martian" their is some really great never before seen stuff,and for that matter never heard stuff as well.
As a fellow fan this whole collection of new materials is just so much fun, I really look forward to sharing it with all of you.

As many My Favorite Martian fans are aware, on the show we have an unaired pilot version of the show.
Until this coming week you could only see it as a substandard bootleg, all that is about to change as we remaster the lost pilot in hi def.
yes you heard it right HI DEF!!, how cool is that...I can't wait to see the show in this kind of clarity.
How about you?

Very interesting on the front of all the non-syndicated negatives for "Martian" is the CBS logo..and of course those missing commercials..missing no more.

In the next couple of days I will be able to post here the name of a Australian based DVD company who will be releasing "Martian" season by season with never before seen extras.
These sets will be very different from the Rhino sets we have seen so far..
Also we may be putting out the Anne Southern show aka Suzie...those are all in great condition.

As I'm sure many of you must be aware by now I represent Jack Chertok Television.
This is a rare case of a real fan of the show being able to give you my fellow fans access to the material that we always wanted but most of the times the corperate types won't spend the time or money to give it to you.
One of my first wishes was to have a soundtrack album finally released, I contacted George Greeley on behalf of Chertok and at first he just could not understand why anyone would care.
Care I did and after several restoration sessions, so did George, he began to really take renewed pride in his wonderful music recorded so long ago.
To all of you who loved his music, he truely was thrilled to see it going out into the world in a pure remastered album for you.
Over the past three years of work my dear dear friend George Greeley had become a very special part of the restoration of everything Martian.
although he was in failing health, George was their for every step of the way through this intense but thrilling process.
So at around noon today, here in the city of angeles we lost George Greeley,
He wanted so much to meet each and every one of his fans..but that is not to be..so sorry to say.
His last days were filled with joy as he shared the finished album with all of his family, he was filled with pride as each track played for them for the first time, almost in a happy ending kind of way this was my friend george's moment..a day which I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Goodbye George Greeley...I miss you already.

Lets make this somewhat official, "My Favorite Martian" is going to be released in Australia and New Zealand..drum roll please...by Umbrella Entertainment. ( too early to pre-order, will tell you when)
They are going to have extras on EVERY season boxed set, these sets will be the best presentation ever put together for this show.
Just check out their web site they are on the cutting edge for classic Britcoms, they are very excited about doing a really intense set of boxed sets, the season one will have the unaired pilot in a new perfect transfer from master elements..at last!
The boxes themselves are going to be first rate as well, they are really rolls roycing these set..you will love it!
More info about other new products soon.

Mr Greeley was laid to rest friday it was a wonderful service at forrest lawn, he now is placed with a direct view of the Disney Studio (how ironic) and Warner brothers Burbank.
One of the many speakers was life long friend Howard Leeds, he started with George on My Living Doll.
He noted that he loved to have George at the first table reads of his scripts, as George had such a wonderful sense of humor and fun,that he was always sure to laugh at the right moments.
When George did Small Wonder with howard one of the cast thought this laughing guy was the warm up comedian for the show, no said Howard he's our composer.
In finishing Howard noted that George's abilities in the kitchen always begged for more and his italian meatballs were beyond great.
I also spoke for all the fans and for those who passed along good wishes, thank you.

The L.A. Times ran a nice obituary for Mr. Greeley, which also included a photo. So, I thought I'd post it here.

How is Doll coming?
:)

We are moving forward, but I will give you one peice of new's....

The company that is releasing the "My Favorite Martian" Soundtrack album is La La Land Records, watch their web site for ordering information.
This will be a very limited edition, as I'm sure all of you are aware this show has a cult following all over the world, so once this is out...jump unless you want to pay collectible dealer prices.
Good luck, and I hope you all have a chance to get one of these albums, alot of time and work has gone into perfecting this first ever release.

I was very surprised to read that you may be releasing Ann Sothern's show, since this is one of my favorite sitcoms of the 1950's.

Her show "Susie" was the title in syndication, it was originally known as "Private Secretary". After that went off the air then she did a different series: "The Ann Sothern Show".

I remember watching both series in the 1980's when Nick At Nite broadcast them. I have about 22 episodes on bootleg VHS tapes, some of poor quality.

I would eagerly buy whatever you released (and I have bought DVD's from Australia before.)

My plans are to in the next few years release all the Chertok television material with added bonus material in every instance.
I feel that each new set from this point forward should always carry new never before seen features or production related commentaries.
Due to the age of these shows we are faced with the fact many of the key actors have passed but many crew members are still around.
The idea is to get first hand production info from these guys and preserve it for future tv fans.
In all it's alot of work but quality is cause number one, no lack of features will be found on our sets from now on.

That's exactly how things need to be released these days like. With as much bonus material as possible, well I like it that way at least lol.

What is the deal with My Favorite Martian season 3 in the US? When will Rhino release the final season?

I can't give you any news on the Rhino release, Just no movement at all..but the Australian/New Zealand DVD is full steam ahead.
We have two sets of major interviews finished, the first set was with our two key film editors on the show, it covers day to day production, how to cut a sixties sitcom, and some really interesting production stories.
The second is with Wayne Stam (Andromeda) who gives a first hand account of what he was told when the show went off the air.
He also has some fantastic insights into how Ray walston saw the Martian charactor, his inner most thoughts...you will be on the edge of your seats..it is just that packed with new information about the show.(no fluff just real facts for actors and fans who want to really understand the workings of a show.)
Oh on the first interview we also dealt with the production of My Living Doll...
new facts on that one too.

All this stuff will be on the Umbrella release for Australia and New Zealand, they are really pulling out all the stops.
And they will be releasing season three first, around November..watch their web site. [url]www.umbrellaent.com.au

For a great many years both the production order and titles have been slightly off.
Here using both prints and original paperwork is the production order and the correct titles for each show.

6255-01. "Boy Meets Girl ?"
6255-02. "Rhoda's First Date"
6255-03. "Univited Guest"
6255-04. "Rhoda's Debut"
6255-05. "A Lession In Love"
6255-06. "Something Borrowed... Something Blew"
6255-07. "The Love Machine"
6255-08. "Leave 'Em Laughing"
6255-09. "My Robot the Warden"
6255-10. "The Beauty Contest"
6255-11. "Just Lucky, I Guess"
6255-12. "The Language Barrier"
6255-13. "Little White Lie"
6255-14. "I'll Leave It To You"
6255-15. "The Perfect Woman"
6255-16. "Sky Divers"
6255-17. "Pool Shark"
6255-18. "Color Me Trouble"
6255-19. "The Kleptomaniac"
6255-20. "The Lady Astronaut"

Production order is changed due to unproduced show. 6255-21. "Grampa Visits".
Fall out from this show results in Bob Cumming's leaving, hence all production order from this point is out.

6255-22. "The Witness"
6255-24. "Boy Get's Robot"
6255-25. "Dancing Doll"
6255-26. "The Mannequin"
6255-27. "Murder, He Says"
6255-28. "Brother Harry"

Please note that the IMDB is wrong with both their production order and titles.
These are all the final official Chertok titles.

Fantastic. Thanks so much for providing that. Do you have any more information on the unproduced episode you could share with us? Or why there is no production number 6255-23?

I have every scrpt here, including "Grampa Visits" it was a throw back to the old Bob Cummings show.
The story was simple it's Bob Cumming's playing his own grandfather, the country doctor.
and Rhoda is just set dressing..it's all about Bob..yikes..
Anyway that tore it in many ways, I have no doubt that 23 exists after "The Witness" but it may have only been either a treatment or just a story commitment. (hence no script on file)
It would have been shelved fast in order to change format, all these show were shot in three to four days.
One day pre-production then three days on stage thence one day for score and final cut.

any updates to report on Martian yet?

"6255.22" {"The Witness", air date: February 10, 1965} was Cummings' final episode. "6255.23" {"Boy Gets Robot", February 17, 1965} was the first of the five episodes when Jack Mullaney became Julie's co-star. The numbering sequence during the transition from Bob to Jack as the "lead" is understandable- to me, the official production number was merely "skipped" between those two episodes {someone probably said, "Let's start fresh, this is a 'different' show now"}. As we all know, there were 26 filmed episodes of the series altogether.

:tv:

"6255.22" {"The Witness", air date: February 10, 1965} was Cummings' final episode. "6255.23" {"Boy Gets Robot", February 17, 1965} was the first of the five episodes when Jack Mullaney became Julie's co-star. The numbering sequence during the transition from Bob to Jack as the "lead" is understandable- to me, the official production number was merely "skipped" between those two episodes {someone probably said, "Let's start fresh, this is a 'different' show now"}. As we all know, there were 26 filmed episodes of the series altogether.

:tv:

you are correct on that score, but I just wanted to finally put the corrected information out there for everyone to see..:wave:

130649


Well here is the cover of the upcoming soundtrack release...inside you will find photo's that have NEVER been seen before.
For soundtrack fans they show the actual recording of a show, on the Desilu music stage(formally RKO).

The music is just mind blowing, and this is a Limited Edition release, so order it fast before you have to pay some shark on Ebay three times more for it.

La La Land Records is the company releasing it, they should have ordering details by the end of October...but move fast for Xmas it's a cool gift and will bring back some fond memories to all sitcom fans.

No word at all on a Rhino release..but the Australian release is coming up very quickly indeed.

The extras on this set are mind blowing..how about the UNAIRED PILOT !!


and the Home movies and....lots more...you will just go crazy.

to see the cover go to www.umbrellaent.com.au and see for yourself.

and don't worry about the price with the exchange rate to Australia you will make out like a Martian..

No word at all on a Rhino release..but the Australian release is coming up very quickly indeed.

The extras on this set are mind blowing..how about the UNAIRED PILOT !!


and the Home movies and....lots more...you will just go crazy.

to see the cover go to www.umbrellaent.com.au and see for yourself.

and don't worry about the price with the exchange rate to Australia you will make out like a Martian..

It sounds like Rhino has given up on releasing the final season. Any chance of getting another company to do it here in the US? It's really a shame to leave the fans hanging like that. I doubt most US fans will be buying the Australian set.

I beg to differ.

This is the dvd we've been waiting for. The bonus material will be extraordinary!!!!

I am confident that those in the USA who wish to purchase Umbrella Entertainment's MFM season 3 DVD will do so.

It sounds like Rhino has given up on releasing the final season. Any chance of getting another company to do it here in the US? It's really a shame to leave the fans hanging like that. I doubt most US fans will be buying the Australian set.

According to the link, the DVD is in NTSC format, so playing it in the U.S. will be no problem. Steep price to be sure, but since Rhino shows no interest in releasing season 3, they're are not that many options.

1) Either buy it from the posted site or
2) Wait and buy it on eBay on the secondary market.

I suppose two options are better than none.

According to the link, the DVD is in NTSC format, so playing it in the U.S. will be no problem. Steep price to be sure, but since Rhino shows no interest in releasing season 3, they're are not that many options.

1) Either buy it from the posted site or
Hey Caladon this is an Australian release..the US dollar is worth around twice the Aussie one..so the real cost will be around forty bucks..or less.

around the same price as a US release with five times more extras...it's a no brainer..

2) Wait and buy it on eBay on the secondary market.

Why when it's so cheap??

I suppose two options are better than none.

Things can change ya know...but for now this is a great set well worth the low Aussie price..America still rules with the exchange rate!!:)

According to the link, the DVD is in NTSC format, so playing it in the U.S. will be no problem. Steep price to be sure, but since Rhino shows no interest in releasing season 3, they're are not that many options.

1) Either buy it from the posted site or
2) Wait and buy it on eBay on the secondary market.

I suppose two options are better than none.

Yes, it says NTSC format, but what region is it? If it's not Region 1 I can't play it.

Yes, it says NTSC format, but what region is it? If it's not Region 1 I can't play it.

It will be zero region..which means it will play everywhere..and it will go down as the most extras packed sixties sitcom ever released.

The remastered unaired pilot is worth the price alone, it has never had an official release anywhere..until now.

One of the missing moments is Martin bringing the space ship to the garage for the first time.
This scene gives you a first time clear look at the first version spaceship(in detail) it's mind blowing!!

130890 Here is the back cover fr the album with track listings

Regarding the Umbrella release of My Favorite Martian Season 3,
http://www.umbrellaent.com.au/products/show/55/749

How about encouraging Umbrella to contact Amazon to sell this title?
Amazon would give both greater exposure for the North American market while reducing costs (the one named Australian distributor charges $25 shipping/insurance).

Cheers!
-Jim

Regarding the Umbrella release of My Favorite Martian Season 3,
http://www.umbrellaent.com.au/products/show/55/749

How about encouraging Umbrella to contact Amazon to sell this title?
Amazon would give both greater exposure for the North American market while reducing costs (the one named Australian distributor charges $25 shipping/insurance).

Cheers!
-Jim

I will look into it..mind you this set really is one of the best ever put together for a sixties sitcom.
And the best part is for the follow up sets a recent find of Ray walston's home movies from the set, they show season's one and two.
As these sets roll out the extras will never fail to impress..that's a fact..

I will look into it..mind you this set really is one of the best ever put together for a sixties sitcom. And the best part is for the follow up sets a recent find of Ray walston's home movies from the set, they show season's one and two. As these sets roll out the extras will never fail to impress..that's a fact.

I look forward with anticipation to see the extras on the season 3 set given the stills you previously posted (:D thanks!)

I am a little confused what you are saying about the follow-up sets. Are you saying that (a) seasons one and two (already released by Rhino) will be re-released with new extras; or (b) that a different, extras-only set will be released? Or is it something else.

Thanks in advance,
-Jim

These sets are for the Australian market, so they have not had a release of the first two seasons.

So yes they will be released there, but unlike the Rhino release both will be packed with interviews and stills galleries and other unseen stuff.

Those sets...like the season three will be of the highest quality and contain never before seen materials from the show.

The cover of the third season is 3D linticular, they have spent some major bucks on these sets..It's time to talk to Santa..:lol:

What about the 5 episodes on the Rhino season 2 set that were sped up to 22 minutes? Are they the correct versions on the Australian set?

I beleave that problem has been corrected as they ran a new set of submasters.
They have gone out of their way to make this an outstanding collection.

When you get the season three set you will see what I mean, it's just fantastic(although it makes you wish all these classic show were getting the same amount of bonus material, this set will make you realise what the others lack).

This set is a E ticket...

Would it be possible to list all of the bonus material or provide a link that lists the material? I'm very interested about the contents of this set.

their is no link other than the Umbrella one listed, but to give you some idea one of the features is of course the Unaired Pilot.
Another is the comentary track on the first episode of season three with the art director James Hulsey.
and a collection of interviews, one of which is with Wayne Stam who played Andromeda.
Clickable collection of the rare british "Martian" weekly comic pages, for that seasons year.

alot of stuff some of which may be hidden as easter eggs, we shall see...

this set is a massive bang for your buck...and will fast become a much wanted collectors edition.(get in quick so you don't end up paying extra on the secondary market as it will go up in value as other collectors get wind of how cool this set really is):wave:

Or around November 10th..to order it it will be as simple as Pay Pal or a credit card via the La La Land site. (they never post a new product until they have it in stock)

This Xmas belongs to "My Favorite Martian" if you are a fan of this classic you will be treated to a collection of first class never before seen material.

Starting with the season three boxed set on the 3rd of November and then the first collectable volume of the "Martian" soundtrack music.

And yes you heard right FIRST volume..if this sells out fast (it will) then the second album (it's just as amazing) is ready for production..

Be aware this show has a loyal fan base all over the world..so get in quick that way you don't miss out or get stuck paying a dealers price.

With such a low production run it's already a collectable even before it hit's the marketplace.. don't let it get away..

And if you do...well I get to say a big "I Told You So..And A Bigger You were warned"

Just one last thing to think about..if just 1/3 of the views on this post buys the album it's gone..

The booklet that come with the set is packed with back stage pictures that have never been seen before.(and a last message to fans from composer George Greeley)
The whole point of all this material is to reward the loyal television fans with unreleased and rare production materials.

In the next three years you will see and hear materials that under normal run of the mill releases you would never have access to.

I hope this starts a trend to give all sixties shows fans more value and more fresh new features.

You may get a kick out of this..Umbrella Entertainment in order to promote the show are sending out to the media...Brownies!!.
They have baked up a batch of the Mrs Brown brownies and are sending them all over Australia and New Zealand.
For those of you who don't know Brownies are almost unknowen down under so maybe "Martian" will be the cause of them taking off there..who knows.:lol:

Well, this weekend some new interviews about season one of Martian will be shot..but with who??..

That's a secret for now..but the extras packed limited editions from Umbrella are in the hopper..season one is expected around march next year.

I know everyone is excited about martian, but i have to drop by and pester you about Doll once and awile... I wish you could post some fun teasers from doll, maybe pics from the episodes we (those who were not born yet) have never seen? Im dying here!
:)

I have been digging through another storage area, there may be a Jack Mulany episode in there...keep your fingers crossed.
Julie Newmar recently asked for help from Les Moonves of CBS, she asked him to mount a major search effort for the 35mm master negatives...
so far no news one way or another..it's more keep your fingers crossed news..

I will post some remastered frame grabs soon!

Who is perhaps the most important part of the formation of Martian?

For my money it is our original story editor...some chap by the name of Sherwood...

He made some other shows..he left our show to do some thing about an island and the he teamed with our Living Doll producer Howard Leeds for some thing about a bunch of kids.

Anyway next week we will be recording a major interview with him about his time on Mars...

Another ground breaking extra for these beautiful collectors sets..

So there is no way at all (not even contacting them directly) to get a full list of what is on the 3rd season DVD in Australia??? I would never pay 60+ bucks for a dvd set unless I knew exactly what I was getting. Everything.

Ok, to begin interviews with.

Wayne Stam/andromeda. He talks about how he was cast and working with Ray and Bill.

Stanley Frazen/main editor all three seasons. he talks about cutting comedy sixties style and about the cast.

Ted Rich/ editor "My Living Doll/Martian seasons two and three. he again talks about sixties show production and insights in several shows.

James Hulsey/Production Designer "My Living Doll/Martian all three seasons. about the "spaceship" the apartment and more.

Comentary on "Go west Young Martian. By James Hulsey.

Stills Gallery

File of the british tv21 comic pages for "Martian"

Unaired Pilot!!!! (not available anywhere) that alone should be enough!

I hope that helps you decide to buy the best ever edition released on this show anywhere..

There you go Tyler..I hope that eases your mind a bit..you are really getting your moneys worth on this set
It also has a animated 3D linticular cover card (Uncle martin's antenas raise and he disapears)

Just for my own edification, am I just better off getting this Australia release of S3, if it is indeed region-free and can be played in my normal player, than waiting for an "official" R1 release at all? And is there a more convenient way of getting this ultimately than going through an Australian site?

I sort of want to have everything re-clarified because I am just now winding up going through S2 after stalling for a long time and would like to be able to continue, but I have to have the clearest sense of what my best options are.

Here is the thing from a collectable point of view the Umbrella set is first class all the way.
You will be delighted with all the extras, once you have spent the time to go through them any question of cost will disapear.
You as all the fans will find out are treated to a collection of informative footage that takes you inside the production of the show.
And just to put a face to the names, bellow pictured from the left is Jack Chertok and Harry Poppe with a writer(unknowen right now)

131958

I cannot seem to place an order with Umbrella for the MFM DVD set. :(

When I push the "add to basket" button, the basket page opens, but there in nothing in the basket. I have tried other dvd's also and the same thing happens. Nothing is going into the basket. I thought it could be my main browser (safari) so I tried 2 other browsers (netscape and IE) but no change.

Is anyone else having this problem or is it just lil-o-me? :lol:

Maybe Umbrella does not want my money. :D

The best thing to do is just email via the contact us button on the Umbrella site, just leave them a note and they will sort it out for you.

I have a copy here the Wayne Stam interview is so interesting and heart warming as well, all the feature interviews are just full of information that will give you a rare insight into the shows production.

I had the same problem on the Umbrella site too and sent them an e-mail as suggested.

Also, wasn't the CD of the music due to be released about now? I'm keeping LaLa's site bookmarked but nothing available there yet.

Due to a problem with the printers, the album will be ready by the 17th of November..it's six days late...but well worth the wait..(they never put up product until it is ready to ship, they are good that way)

The Umbrella issue will be resolved by tuesday at the very latest...so they tell me.

Due to a problem with the printers, the album will be ready by the 17th of November..it's six days late...but well worth the wait..(they never put up product until it is ready to ship, they are good that way)

The Umbrella issue will be resolved by tuesday at the very latest...so they tell me.

I get an e-mail notification on the day something new is released from La La Land which is great in this case, that way I don't forget about ordering the MFM CD. :D

Thanks for the help guys on this 'basket' problem. I will wait a few days to see if the problem does get fixed, if not I will contact them as suggested to get the DVD set. :wave:

I get an e-mail notification on the day something new is released from La La Land which is great in this case, that way I don't forget about ordering the MFM CD. :D

Thanks for the help guys on this 'basket' problem. I will wait a few days to see if the problem does get fixed, if not I will contact them as suggested to get the DVD set. :wave:

I will pass it along, it is fans like you that make this all worth while, this whole project is about supporting all the fans with new and lost elements.

As a fan myself I get a huge charge out of finding these lost films, photos, and music..and making sure everyone gets to see them and have their own copies is a joy and a pleasure.

I have Martian season 3 on order!!!! YEEEAAAAHHHHH :dance: :yippee: :dance: :yippee:

The 'basket' is working. Now I just have to hope it arrives here (USA) in one piece. It has a long way to travel. :lol:

I have been waiting a long time to get this set and have been watching this thread to get all the updates for it.

A big THANKS to My Favorite Martian for making this happen and keeping us updated with the latest info. And also THANKS to Umbrella for bringing it all together. :cheers:

Next up MFM soundtrack CD. :D

You will not beleave how cool these extras are..after you watch them it will feel like you visited the set back in 65..
Bill Bixby and Ray Walston as you have never seen them before..and you will learn from Wayne stam the fundemental traits needed to play a Martian.
As told to him by Ray Walston, this set is great fun..when you get all three together it will just make the show even more favorite to all.

And yes the soundtrack at the end of this next week...whoops!! 27th..

Now to work on the plastic model kit of Uncle Martin's spaceship and action figures!!

everything from this point to fan standards...super detailed screen acurate...

:wave:

Please don't forget "Steve Donavan Western Marshal"

He is very much on my mind, fear not...the marshall is on his way!

If you want to find out what happend to the proposed model kit of uncle martin's ship check out..

www.hobbytalk.com

and go to the model forum to see the whole story..:wave:

If you want this kit to be made lend a voice to that forum....

As many of you know the last five shows of "Doll" featured Jack Mullaney in the lead role as Peter.
Of the shows recovered these last five have been almost impossible to find in decent shape...until now..we just found Jack Mullaney's family...and guess what he was a pack rat on his shows..and after this week we may have perfect copies of the last five shows..lets all keep our fingers wide open..a old martian saying...:lol:

Well Santa has come early for all Martian fans, the season three set is shipping out to fans in record time from Umbrellaent.com.au.
And now this tuesday the album will be up on La La records site, better late than never...

These two products mark a new begining for this classic show, more products of higher quality to follow.

And 2008 will mark the return of "My Living Doll" and "Steve Donovan" this is going to be alot of fun..

and don't forget the Umbrella version of season one...

Is the "My Living Doll" set going to be released in the US or also thru Umbrella in Australia?

Just to give you a heads up the Umbrella set is selling out in many retail outlets so move fast..to order it for xmas.

Right now the extact roll out for "My Living Doll" is still not certian, we have a US distributor who was interested in releasing it.
And yes Umbrella has an solid interest in releasing it also, for my part I'm still doing the restoration and searching for new elements, so we can release as many restored shows as possible.
At the same time I'm looking for the best elements for our western show Steve Donovan..never a dull moment to be sure.:wave:

I placed my order on November 13, and they acknowledged receipt of payment but I've yet to receive a notification of shipment. Hope that doesn't take long as I'm anxious to have this soon!

BTW, I've noticed the soundtrack CD still isn't available yet at La La's site.

132453


The soundtrack album is due to be posted for sale Dec 5. 2007...

All good things come to those who wait...but at last here it is..

also check out the cast and crew shot from a early Chertok show..guess which one sitcom fans..

Mullany's family must have been hard to track down, If I had been searching for these episodes I would have gone to the family first, many have probably tried over the last few decades. I hope he had them stored well!
I wonder what exists in the attics of the decendants of all the many 50's and 60's actors/actresses that might have collected prints. I would almost dive into the river to salvage the dumont kinescopes that were tossed in 79.
Maybe when we break the light speed barrier we can fly ahead of those early dumont signals about 54 light years out and re record them.
:wave:

I placed my order on November 13, and they acknowledged receipt of payment but I've yet to receive a notification of shipment.


I ordered my set on the 12th Nov..
I received shipment notification on the 27 Nov..
I received the box in the mail today (N.H.,USA) the 1st Dec.. ( I ordered this using standard mail service, not UPS)

I like the cover of the set, it is a 3D type picture. All DVD's were secured (not floating around) in there proper spot. The set comes in a standard CD-DVD type cardboard type mailer. Everything is in excellent condition.

I have not yet watched any of them (soon :D). NTSC format. All Region.


:wave:

My set arrived today and I have already loaded the first disc to confirm they do play properly.

It feels really good to finally have a title that for so long was languishing in the "abandoned" category complete at last!

You may want to go to La La Land Records NOW. I just did and all I can say is I've got a big martian smile on my face.;)

Now if that Australian company will just lower their price by about 1/2 of what they're currently charging I'd be happy to get Season 3 too. But I do have the Rhino VHS complete Season 3 set that I bought several years ago before DVDs were in fashion. In fact, I believe I paid $99 for that Season 3 VHS Rhino set. Now I've transferred that Season 3 set to DVDs myself. I know though, that if I didn't already have the uncut season 3 I would take the plunge with the Aussie company.:crazy:

Many Thanks, Hazel Anyday for spreading the good word about the CD now being available!
Enjoy!

Here is a still from the original pilot, the ship was never clear on the first version.

Now it's been restored and enhance(in a sixties style) it looks in place but now the little ship looks in trouble.
It's more in keeping with "Bixby's" reaction shot...132871

Thanks very much for the continued news and updates on the MFM and Living Doll remastering and DVD work, looking forward to more updates for the new year in 2008! :yourock:

I see three resellers on ebay listing in Australia now selling the MFM S3 DVD set too, but they have higher shipping costs to the USA than umbrella.

With the US dollar value drop in recent months there appears to be only a little difference to the Australia dollar now. Today it shows as 1USD=1.15AUD using this australia to US dollar conversion site I found. Here is the link for reference:
http://coinmill.com/AUD_USD.html

I hope to order the MFM-S3 and MFM-CD this week. :)

Maybe a deal could be tried with Mark Cuban and his HDnet channel, to air some remastered in HD classic TV programs?

That is really strange that you should know my next move, a new High Def remastering of the show is on the wish list for sure..

Mark Cuban paid for the transfer of "Hogans Heroes" into High Def..perhaps he will do the same for "Martian"...it's worth a try...in the new year.

The soundtrack album is selling well..if you have not bought one yet..don't wait too long to get it for list price..

New sixties extras have just been found...more info and pictures soon!

I will also be posting restored images from "Living Doll" in the near future..

It's coming real soon....133875

Going through the S3 set, I noticed that the fourth episode "Keep Me From The Church On Time" looks very grainy and washed out like a 16mm print. It also had a Wolper Productions tag at the end of the credits which I assume handled syndication rights sometime in the past. I'm assuming the original elements for this episode weren't available necessitating this print?

It's even more noticeable on the VHS set put out by Rhino a few years ago.
Actually, I was glad that the DVD of that episode was cleaned up.

I have become aware of this episodes problems, that master has now been junked and a new transfer performed using the master negative.

You will never see this show from this 16mm print again...I have seen to that.

And yes it was digitally cleaned up...but I wanted it in better shape than that..so I did a full High Def restoration.

It's just that important to get the quality up..in everything that has the Chertok name.

Just wait until you see the "My Living Doll" transfers...full digital restoration clean and clear..unlike the bootleg copies that have been doing the rounds for so long...can't wait to get that DVD out!

134267


Here is a image from the first starring Jack Mullaney episode. "Boy Gets Robot"

Looks outstanding! Can hardly wait to see the set.

Wow. That image is mint. Hope the Steve Donovans will look that good.

Basically the film is run through a wet gate process, while at the same time a low level scratch and dirt removal is performed.
Then the film is checked frame by frame, further checked, cleaned and then output to a new Digi Beta broadcast master.

"My Living Doll" will appear as a master negative quality very soon with Steve Donovan to follow as a special edition DVD release.

The best news is a fellow Steve Donovan fan just helped us recover a new episode (I wish we had some "Living Doll" fans who were as willing to help us find film prints to preserve).

Keep watching for a Steve Donovan restored clip soon..

Did you get that copy that was on ebay a while back?

hehe the only reason i visit this site is just to see if you have posted living doll scenes! Thanks!
Now when can we expect a release? I have dreamed of this for sooo long.
I even called the archivist at the local cbs station looking for kinescopes for you. The local cbs station is one of the VERY few that saved all film going back to 1956. They are restoring it to give to a museum. Mostly local news, but a few local shows and kinis have been found. We found al stash of a music program that ran for 20 years hidden an a barn!
They are out there. Keep looking!

I have sadly heard that sales of the soundtrack CD from "My Favorite Martian" that has been touted in this thread, have not been very good. I heartily encourage anyone who has been reading this thread and who waited so patiently to finally see Season 3 become available on DVD, will also show their appreciation for the series by picking up the CD from La La Land's website or Screen Archives Entertainment.

It has been selling fairly steady..but not as fast as needed in order to release a second volume(it's almost finished and will be pressed if this edition sells out).
If you are a fan of the show and you have not brought one..now would be the time.
As I try to give all of you access to new and lost material, I really need all you help and support.

And thank you Eric for your words of support..

TV SHOWS ON DVD REPORTED THAT THERE COULD BE A SEASON 3 OF MY FAVORITE MARTIAN COMING SOON ON FEBUARY 5, 2008. NOT CONFIRMED YET, BUT KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED

I can’t believe that the “My Favorite Martian” soundtrack album has been out for two months from lalalandrecords.com with almost no comments. This is a fansite and the silence is deafening. My personal mini-review follows.

From packaging to sound, the overall impression is that this is a very high-quality release.

The twelve page liner notes are very well executed, with new custom cover art by Daren Dochterman, web links, and behind-the-scenes photographs inside. The text covers the genesis of the music and the series, composer’s mini-bio, and music composition during the MFM series production. Extra attention is paid to how the music integrated story elements and Paul Tanner’s Electro-Theremin. Composer George Greeley is represented with both unpublished interview quotes and a personal closing note penned before his passing.

The sound on the silk-screened disc is pristine. Twenty-one shows across the first two seasons are covered plus the obligatory opening and closing themes. Each show is represented by material written for that show (cues) seamlessly knit together to form mini-suites three or four minutes in length. From the “sunny day” opening of the first track (“A Loaf of Bread, a Jug of Wine, and Peaches”) to the later mixture of familiar themes and jazz in “Shake Well and Don’t Use”, the memories come flooding back.

Folks, soundtrack albums have too-often been a one page list of tracks and a bare set of cues that begin and end abruptly. In contrast, this release is put together very well, with material that is not easy to get, particularly for a show this age. If you are a fan of the “My Favorite Martian” series or have ever considered owning the soundtrack, I strongly recommend you buy this CD now. This opportunity only comes around once, and when it is gone, it’s gone.

-Jim Cook
Westborough, MA

On a more personal note, I think we all owe Peter Greenwood, who produced this CD for Jack Chertok TV, a note of applause and thanks. I think Peter is posting here under the name "My Favorite Martian".

There is a quote that says integrity is doing a good job even when no one would notice otherwise. I imagine that JCTV as very small company these days. It takes a lot of drive and personal commitment as a virtual "one man band" to do this good a job in that environment.

I also imagine that putting years into a project like this, then releasing it into the world only to hear <silence> must be disappointing. For that, I apologize for everyone.

Thank-you, Peter.

Sadly, the world of soundtrack collecting tends to be a niche market even smaller than the world of collecting vintage TV on DVD. But as one of those soundtrack collectors who often has to make difficult choices on what to buy and what not to buy, I applaud those who put out projects like the MFM soundtrack even if it isn't a smash bestseller, because the satisfaction of doing a fine job of preservation and even getting *some* people to appreciate it, is something they can always take more than a small measure of pride in.

Thank You for those kind words,

I started the soundtrack album three years ago with the help of my dear friend George Greeley.
we transfered over 11 hours of Martian music in order to preserve it for all time, as noted here we took great pains to produce a first album that represented many of the key musical themes from the show.

George was with me every step of the way..full of stories and kind words for all his fellow artists.

I still miss him every day, you just don't find to many artists with such a giving nature as George Greeley..

When I spoke at his service it was for all of you who grew up with this music, he knew at the end that the music and love of it would live on.

It gave him pride and pleasure to share it with all of you for the first time, as for me I delight in pulling it out of the shadows for all to hear it.

The plan was to make sound crisp and full in it's remastering, that way you feel like are present at the recording sesions back at Desilu in 1963.(according to George "it worked", tears of joy rolled down his cheeks when he heard the finished album for the first time)

To quote George "music must have heart and soul" listen to this album and you will hear it.

Peter Greenwood.
Jack Chertok Television.Inc.

That's great! I don't get the channel it airs on so I'm hoping someone can upload a video clip of your appearance on it, or something.

We pre-taped a insert interview with some rare artifacts from both film and tv history yesterday.
The main portion will be taped on the 21st..
...
Will post more soon.!!

Maybe a full-screen copy can be included as an extra on the season 2 release from Umbrella?

Maybe a full-screen copy can be included as an extra on the season 2 release from Umbrella?


Way ahead of you..already asked the show..we will see..

I am shocked that the print went for so much. Quality-wise it does look much better than multi-generation VHS copies, but there really is not much use for it aside from a) a purely archival interest or b) restoration purposes. Why go to the trouble and expense of getting a 16mm print when you can get a VHS dub that is perfectly watchable for so much less?

Hopefully whoever won the auction will allow it to be used by Chertok Television (if you fine folks did not win the auction outright).

I've had a film chain master on that preview show for 25 years. Hard to believe anyone would pay that much for it.

Once I heard you could get Season 3 of the new My Favorite Martian set on Amazon, I sped over there and ordered it. I now have it and am very impressed with the fine packaging. Also liked the fact that the discs are all one sided, none of the double sided types like Rhino used. Even though I had bought the Season 3 VHS set several years back from Rhino and even transferred them all to DVD myself, something about getting the "real thing" got me, so I ordered it. Glad I did and thanks to the good people at Umbrella and all those involved in making this a unique and special DVD release including the fountain of information from Chertok productions we have here on this string of messges.:)

So is there anything new to report on the progress toward "My Living Doll" eventually appearing on DVD?

Way ahead of you..already asked the show..we will see..

So, whatever happened?

I see that Umbrella issued a Season 1 box set and a Season 2 box set. I see that there are a number of extras on the season 1 set according to the entry on the UmbrellaEnt.com.au website. That site also says season 1 is PAL, but I assume that must be a misprint as season 3 was NTSC and season 2 is also listed as NTSC.

But what were the extras on the season two box set? Or, put differently, did they have anything over the earlier Rhino box set of season 2?

I never did catch the Florence Henderson show, so I am curious.
My budget now allows me to pick up these sets if they offer new material.

Thanks in advance,
-Jim Cook
Westborough, Massachusetts

I too am curious to any martian or my living doll updates? What were the extras on the umbrella season 2 sets again?

Also I'm very interested to see that ep of the Florence Henderson show as well.

It's really sad to see that nothing has happened on MLD for more than a year now and that we're not even getting any new updates at all. I guess we can consider that project dead altogether.

It's also even sadder that after all the big talk of all the fantastic extras that were going to be put on the Umbrella brand of Season 1 & Season 2 of My Favorite Martian very little actually ever happened. Season 2 which is the only one in NTSC has NO extras whatsoever. Season 1 does have a few extras BUT it is in PAL format!! Also sad is the big talker from the Chertok company that used to post here the latest updates has disappeared. I haven't heard from him since Season 3 was released more than a year ago. Has he been fired from the company so he no longer feels the need to post here? Did he just give up on trying to get any decent extras to the Season 1 & 2 sets? Why were these 2 sets released without any notice and why is Season 1 in Pal and why are there no extras at all on Umbrella NTSC Season 2??? Where is our answer man after all the hoopla he stirred here? Does he no longer work for the company so he has abandoned this site? Lots of strange things going on and no explanations.:(

Well at the bare minimum we *did* get a good release of S3 of "My Favorite Martian" that was thankfully compatible with the US region and that I think was the most important item we wanted to see if we already had the Rhino S1 and 2 releases. The CD of music from the show was also a nice item (too bad it sold so poorly). I've certainly seen worse instances of promises that went totally unfulfilled and left us with nothing.

I know you have all wanted this for years.. this is Pamela Britton's mix..and yes she REALLY did make brownies for the show...and the the cast and crew loved them.

Mrs Brown's Brownies.
2 squares unsweetened chocolate
(2 ozs.)
1/3 C. shortening

Beat in:
1 C. sugar
2 eggs

Sift together and stir in:
3/4 C sifted flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Mix in:
1/2 C. broken nuts
1/2 C. Kelloggs Corn Flakes
(crushed)

Spread in well into 8'' square pan, bake until the top has a dull crust. cool slightly and cut into squares.
Temp. 350.
Time. 30-35 min.
Hello, My Favorite Martian. I know you posted the brownie recipe a couple years ago, but I just wanted to let people know I made them and they taste great. :) They don't look at all like the ones I've seen on the show (example: Season 2, Episode 23: "Gone But Not Forgotten"), but I'm assuming they didn't use the same recipe thoughout the show's lifetime. By the way, how did you get that recipe? Did you know someone who knew Pamela? Just curious. In any event, thanks for posting.

I worked on most of the extras for the Umbrella My Favorite Martian sets. All three Umbrella Martian sets are NTSC (at least MY copies they sent to me are). Season 2 was released by them without giving us a deadline nor chance to finish any extras which is a downright shame, but Umbrella's prerogative.

As far as lack of posting here, all I can say is that things have been busy and frustrating(!) and money has been tight, and nobody has been "fired" from Chertok...and I know for a fact that work is progressing on a MLD DVD release. These things take time.

I'm sure that "My Favorite Martian" will be back here posting in the future...so keep tha faith and just try to be patient...we all want to see this work out for the best ;)

-John Ellis

John, thanks for stopping by to give this thread a much needed update. After getting a chance to see the MLD pilot elsewhere I hope it will finally make it to DVD as you say and I will be first in line to buy, just as I've always made it a point to be among those first to get your magnificent Steve Canyon DVDs (everyone here, make sure you contribute to the fine work that's been done there and buy a set!).

Here's the title card from the recovered pilot for THE RELUCTANT EYE:

...with the unaired pilots, "THE RELUCTANT EYE" (and I forgot who was in it, beg pardon, that's how long it's been since I've heard of it) and "THE MAN IN THE SQUARE SUIT" {aka "RAMBLING WRECK FROM DISCOTHEQUE"}, the Paul Dooley pilot rejected by CBS, and ultimately "burned off" on ABC in April 1966.

And I realize finding all the "elements" for "MY LIVING DOLL" is taking longer than expected...and in this economy, it's almost impossible to find money to find them! I'm sure everyone will be patient enough to wait until....


:lookaroun

THE MUSEUM OF BROADCAST COMMUNICATIONS HAS AN EPISODE OF DOLL THAT I HAD NOT SEEN AROUND, FORGOT THE TITLE.. LOOKING FORWARD TO A DOLL COLLECTIBLE TOY! :)

Getting back to the original subject. EZ DVD website says Season 1 is in PAL, but they say Season 2 is NTSC. Nevertheless, I ordered both sets from them last year, but their company went temporarily out of business and my order was never sent out. They seem to be back in business again, but I don't trust them anymore. They still list Season 1 as being in PAL. The Umbrella Austrailian website though says both Seasons 1 & 2 are in NTSC. So IF both seasons 1 & 2 are in NTSC, please confirm if that's true, WHEN are they going to be offered for sale in a place that people in the U.S. can buy it, like Amazon? I bought the Umbrella Season 3 set from Amazon, no muss no fuss. When are Umbrella's Season's 1 & 2 in an NTSC format going to be offered for purchase on Amazon? They're not even offered on Amazon.UK. How can anyone in the U.S. buy these if they're not for sale anywhere??? Also it's a bit disappointing that all the great extras promised here are nowhere to be found on these 2 sets. There are a few extras on Season 1 but none at all on Season 2. Well, I'd still buy them IF, IF only I could get them from Amazon. When are they going to be offered for sale for people in the U.S. to buy? :confused:

I was not even aware there was a brand new set of My Favorite Martian seasons coming out here in the U.S.!!! :D I only knew of the elusive but always teasing sets from Umbrella (I already own the Rhino sets). I did not know there were plans for a DVD release of My Favorite Martian (here in the U.S!!) by some other company. If they could make them on single sided discs it would be much appreciated, I didn't like Rhino's double sided discs, which is why I had wanted to get the Umbrella set till I found it was impossible to buy them. Will these mysterious new U.S. sets of My Favorite Martian Seasons be released this year? TVShows ON DVD website hasn't mentioned them. Let me guess, is it Shout, that's releasing them? :lookaroun
I have no desire to only buy if it's Umbrella, I just thought that was the only choice we had. Now I want more details of the U.S. sets coming, WHEN?

I wonder if the complete series be released at once or if will it be season sets?

Ah, I didn't think it would be Shout!. I know you probably can't give out details yet, but that pretty much only leaves Timeless, MPI, Image (if they're not bankrupt), VCI or Genius Entertainment.

Actually, now I think it's probably Timeless since they already did a best of set.

So it's MPI. I saw the article on tvshowsondvd.com. It's smart to start with season three. Will MPI be releasing seasons two and one somewhere down the road possibly?

I wonder if MPI will also do My Living Doll. I remember that show with fond memories.

Just how improved will the MY FAVOURITE MARTIAN (CBS 1963-65) tv series' third season (1965-66) episodes be pertaining to actual restoration of the video source elements to be used for the (now) impending MPI Home Entertainment DVD release?

Will the original 35mm print negatives be ulitized this time around?

In the previous DVD third season sets some of the closing titles have an ugly "blue" square obstructing what was once the original sponsor identifier. Will these now be eliminated so that these identifiers can be seen once again?

Will the compressed video copies of episodes originally used for the Rhino Home Entertainment second season (1964-65) DVD release now be replaced with substantially better normal speed video transfers?

:D

Just how improved will the MY FAVOURITE MARTIAN (CBS 1963-65) tv series' third season (1965-66) episodes be pertaining to actual restoration of the video source elements to be used for the (now) impending MPI Home Entertainment DVD release?

Will the original 35mm print negatives be ulitized this time around?

In the previous DVD third season sets some of the closing titles have an ugly "blue" square obstructing what was once the original sponsor identifier. Will these now be eliminated so that these identifiers can be seen once again?

Will the compressed video copies of episodes originally used for the Rhino Home Entertainment second season (1964-65) DVD release now be replaced with substantially better normal speed video transfers?

:D

...Kellogg's was the primary sponsor, 'Martin'- and a montage of their cereal boxes appeared in the lower left-hand corner of the screen during the closing credits (as was the custom of some filmed TV series at the time that had a primary and "alternate" sponsor). In syndicated prints, of course, Ray Walston's profile was seen in the corner. However, there were some original prints that were used in mastering the final season on DVD, and the distributor decided to "mask" the sponsor's products in those credits by superimposing an "ugly blue square".

"HERE'S LUCY", when it first went into syndication in the '80s, used original prints from early episodes featuring primary sponsor Lever Brothers' products {Dove, Wisk, All, Lifebuoy, etc.} in a lower corner during the closing credits- their distributor obliterated those by superimposing a circle or oval, with "L.B.P., Inc." (for "Lucille Ball Productions, Inc.") in the middle. In the current DVD sets of the first and second seasons, I believe you can now see those Lever products once more.

I think "MY FAVORITE MARTIAN" has a better chance of being presented "correctly" in future box sets....


:tv:

Are there any updates for My Living Doll? I thought I read somewhere awhile back that Private Secretary was being considered for a DVD release as well. I hope both of these eventually make it to DVD!

...Kellogg's was the primary sponsor, 'Martin'- and a montage of their cereal boxes appeared in the lower left-hand corner of the screen during the closing credits (as was the custom of some filmed TV series at the time that had a primary and "alternate" sponsor). In syndicated prints, of course, Ray Walston's profile was seen in the corner. However, there were some original prints that were used in mastering the final season on DVD, and the distributor decided to "mask" the sponsor's products in those credits by superimposing an "ugly blue square".

"HERE'S LUCY", when it first went into syndication in the '80s, used original prints from early episodes featuring primary sponsor Lever Brothers' products {Dove, Wisk, All, Lifebuoy, etc.} in a lower corner during the closing credits- their distributor obliterated those by superimposing a circle or oval, with "L.B.P., Inc." (for "Lucille Ball Productions, Inc.") in the middle. In the current DVD sets of the first and second seasons, I believe you can now see those Lever products once more.

I think "MY FAVORITE MARTIAN" has a better chance of being presented "correctly" in future box sets....


:tv:

No, the Lever products are not there.....they must have remastered prints off 35 mm masters (not from network usage).

When I brought up this subject again a month or so ago I was asking about the 1st and 2nd season. I already bought the Umbrella 3rd season, so I was not in such a tither over that. What I want is good versions of the 1st & 2nd seasons (I already have the problem ridden Rhino sets). Also could MPI please (when they do release the 1st & 2nd seasons, when is that anyway?) put the 1st & 2nd season on single sided discs, the double sided discs Rhino used are for the birds. I am more anxious to buy the MPI 1st & 2nd season of ...Martian.

But as to the upcoming (sometime?) 3rd season, will it be any marked improvement over the Umbrella 3rd season (which I have) set?? There was at least one episode in the 3rd season set (of both Rhino's VHS 3rd season release & also in the Umbrella 3rd season DVD set) which had very poor, color faded & inaccurate, etc. quality. Will that one poor looking episode be now from a much better source than what Umbrella & Rhino had to use?? If they can get a perfect looking version of this one episode then it might be worth buying yet another 3rd season set. I wish to heck I could remember which episode was the bad one, but I'm sure others here can shout it out. They know.

How will the new MPI 3rd season set be any different from the Umbrella release??:)

Any News on "STEVE DONAVAN, WESTERN MARSHAL" ? The Complete Series would be an excellent buy.